South Korea continues to dazzle with its ever-evolving beauty and fashion scene, and one of the most exciting trends in recent years has been the rise of pop-up stores. These temporary retail spaces offer exclusive and time-limited shopping experiences, allowing consumers to discover new brands, products, and collaborations. For September 2024, we’ve rounded up seven must-visit K-beauty and fashion pop-up stores in South Korea. From skincare innovations to streetwear collaborations, these pop-ups will keep trendsetters and beauty enthusiasts busy all month!
What Are Pop-Up Stores?
Pop-up stores are temporary retail locations open for a limited time to showcase a brand or product. They are designed to create a sense of exclusivity, urgency, and novelty. Whether launching a new product or making an immersive brand experience, pop-up stores offer an innovative way for brands to engage with their audience. In South Korea, pop-up culture is thriving, with fashion and beauty brands leading the way in providing memorable shopping experiences.
1. Innisfree Retinol Twist Lab
The “Innisfree Retinol Twist Lab” pop-up in Seongsu-dong is a skincare lover’s dream, from August 23 to September 1, 2024. This interactive experience lets visitors dive into the world of retinol, one of the brand’s signature ingredients. With fun, themed activities like the “Twist Synergy Hunt Game,” guests can learn about the powerful combination of retinol and PDRN (a DNA fragment known for its regenerative properties) while participating in playful challenges. Don’t miss the opportunity to try out Innisfree’s newest release, the Retinol Green Tea PDRN Skin Booster Ampoule, designed to revitalize and nourish the skin.
Location: Innisfree Diail Seongsu, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Dates: Until September 1, 2024
2. HUF Seongsu Pop-Up Store
Streetwear enthusiasts are in for a treat at the HUF Seongsu Pop-Up Store, open until September 5, 2024, to celebrate HUF Korea’s first anniversary. This pop-up showcases HUF’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection, featuring bold designs and collaborations with artists like REDDY. Visitors can explore exclusive pieces from the Pinnacle Collection and collaboration collections with brands like Punch Drunk Parties and Opening Project. With an eclectic range of apparel, from 400 GSM fleece outerwear to streetwear staples, this pop-up is a go-to for skaters and style-conscious shoppers.
Location: 1st Floor, 7 Sangwon 1-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Dates: Until September 5, 2024
3. Pachinko Pop-Up Store
Fans of the Apple TV+ series “Pachinko” can immerse themselves in a one-of-a-kind experience at the Pachinko Pop-Up Store. Open until September 8, 2024, this pop-up celebrates the release of the show’s second season with various interactive events. Visitors can enjoy a nostalgic journey through the series, complete with a recreation of a Pachinko game hall and a chance to win themed merchandise. The pop-up event offers MBTI-based recommendations for Apple TV+ shows and a chance to win a free year-long subscription.
Location: Seongsudong Project Rent Branch 2 and Branch 6 (50 Seoulsup-gil, 1st Floor, Seongdong-gu, Seoul), Branch 3 (43 Seoulsup-gil, 2nd Floor, Seongdong-gu, Seoul)
Dates: Until September 8, 2024
4. Marpple Shop x Tukata Mizi Pop-Up Store
Marpple Shop, a leading creator commerce platform, has teamed up with lifestyle brand Tukata to create a pop-up store that blends fashion and home decor. This stylish space, open until September 15, 2024, in Seongsu-dong, showcases the playful and creative designs Tukata is known for. From quirky character-themed products to colorful home accessories, this pop-up is perfect for those looking to inject some personality into their living space. Plus, with limited-edition items exclusive to the pop-up, it’s a must-visit for fans of vibrant, youthful design.
Location: 47 Seongsu-il-ro, 1st Floor, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Dates: Until September 15, 2024
5. Cheongdo Travel Market
Cheongdo County, known for its seedless persimmons and wellness vegetables, hosted a “Cheongdo Travel Market” pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, from September 6 to 15, 2024. The pop-up aimed to promote Cheongdo’s scenic views, tourist spots, and local specialties to younger generations. Visitors could explore Cheongdo’s key attractions, join interactive events like wellness sauce-making, and participate in influencer-led classes that share personal stories and sustainable lifestyle tips. Cheongdo also promoted activities like the Sky Trail and Rail Bike, offering easy travel options from Seoul.
Location: Musinsa Square Seongsu3, 1st Floor, 43 Seongsui-ro 18-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Dates: Until September 15, 2024
6. Levi’s Pop-Up Store
Levi’s opened a pop-up store at Seongsu’s Stage35, offering a range of premium products, including LVC, MIJ, and Selvedge denim, along with a tailoring service. Visitors can customize their jeans on the first floor, explore premium collections on the second, and enjoy music, interactive stations, and photo booths on the third. The store is open until September 16, 2024, and features Levi’s iconic denim culture through exclusive experiences.
Location: Levi’s Jean Jeongseong, Stage 35, 35 Yeonmujang-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Dates: Until September 16, 2024
7. Fred Perry Pop-Up Store
Fred Perry launched its “GET READY: Your Own Room” pop-up at LCDC SEOUL, reflecting its 2024 global campaign. The space is designed like a personal room and features brand details, photo zones, and interactive elements. The pop-up showcases new season colors, iconic Twin Tip shirts, and collaborations like Amy Winehouse. Visitors can also enjoy events like styling contests and discounts of up to 30% on selected items throughout the pop-up.
Location: LCDC SEOUL, 10, Yeonmujang 17-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Dates: Until September 30, 2024
Why Are Pop-Up Events Popular in South Korea?
South Korea’s vibrant pop-up culture can be attributed to its trend-savvy consumers, who are always looking for something new and exclusive. Pop-up stores offer the perfect combination of novelty, exclusivity, and engagement. By providing a limited-time-only experience, these stores create a sense of urgency that draws in curious shoppers. For brands, pop-ups are a creative way to connect with their audience and introduce new products or concepts in an intimate, experimental setting.
In conclusion, September 2024 is packed with exciting pop-up stores across Seoul, offering everything from skincare innovations to exclusive fashion collaborations. Whether you’re a beauty aficionado, a streetwear enthusiast, or a fan of immersive brand experiences, these seven pop-ups provide the perfect opportunity to explore the latest trends and discover something new. Don’t miss out on these temporary retail gems!
